Printing on Fabric Using Your Inkjet Printer & a Cabinet Door Makeover Update

That must be the longest title ever. But trust me, it's worth it!

I had been at a loss as to how to finish off my cabinet door makeover project. You all gave me some great ideas, but I still really wanted to figure out how I could get some of my favorite lyrics on the cabinet without actually painting them. I knew I couldn't hand paint them, and I didn't want to do the time consuming stenciling. Thanks to Stephanie Lynn, I learned a new trick this week: how to print on fabric using my inkjet printer.

I am absolutely in love with how this project turned out. Part because it's completely my own creation, and part because I just think it has the right amount of sweet and simple.

Here's how I did it...

First, I cut out a piece of canvas dropcloth just slightly smaller than a piece of cardstock or similarly heavy paper.

Next, using Krylon Easy-Tack Repositionable Adhesive, I sprayed a thin layer on the cardstock and layed the fabric on top of it, smoothing as I went. I used a plastic scraper to ensure there were no air bubbles.

I placed the fabric/cardstock in my printer and hit print!

It's important to remember to leave enough of a border between the edge of the fabric and the edge of the paper, so the printer has something to grab. Also remember to double check the way your printer feeds and put the paper in correctly.

(Now, please note that while I'm giving instructions for a typical 8"x10" print, I have a large format printer and the paper for my actual project was 13"x19".)

That's it! It was so easy!!

I attached it to the cabinet door using the easy tack spray so it will be easy to change out the lyric when the mood hits. I am so pleased with this project, and with how our bedroom is really starting to come together.

My little model...whenever she sees a camera she begs to have her picture taken! This photo really sums it up...with love, anything is possible...even welcoming another child into your home when you get the call the do so. A little update - the adoption process is moving along, slowly but surely, and with any luck will be final before the end of the year. To read a little background, click here.

Don't forget to enter my Birthday giveaways May 2-6!

Giveaway #1: All You Need is Love Flour Sack Towels
Giveaway #2: Starbucks!


Linking to 
Under the Table & Dreaming
Beneath My Heart 
Dittle Dattle 
DIY Show Off 
Polish the Stars
Today's Creative Blog  
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
The Shabby Nest
Funky Junk Interiors
Tatertots And Jello
Be Different Act Normal
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An Old Cabinet Door Gets a New Life and A Birthday Announcement

Remember how in this post I mentioned that my birthday is coming up on Mother's Day? Well, I'm celebrating with a week of fun stuff and giveaways! Be sure to come back next week to see what I gave myself and will be giving YOU as well!!

Ok, back to business...

When contemplating what type of artwork would go over our bed, I knew I didn't want to buy anything. I fell in love with this sign from Urban Farmgirl: (remember how I told you how I love Etsy??)

Again, sweet and simple, my favorite kind of decorating.

I had been working on a printable, but when I saw this, inspiration hit and I remembered that I have been wanting to do something with these lyrics ever since I saw a post on ..... another blog that I for the life of me cannot remember right now! (did you get that sentence all in one breath???)

Anyway, I remembered that I had an old cabinet door from my kitchen when the dishwasher was installed 20 years ago. Yup, that's how long my grandmother kept things.

First I removed the hardware, and gave it a good sanding. Then I gave it a couple of coats of pure white.

This is where it sat for nearly a week, because I couldn't decide what to do with it.

Then inspiration hit (again) and I ran out (yes, I ran) and grabbed the gray the I had used for the drawer fronts of my nightstands. I dry brushed it onto the front of the cabinet, then gave the frame part another coat of white.

I distressed the edges...

and hung it on the wall over the bed.

I love how it looks, but I'm still trying to figure out how I want to finish it off. I was planning on adding the "All You Need is Love" lyric somehow, but I'm tempted to leave it as is...what would you do?


Linking up:
The Shabby Nest
Fingerprints on the Fridge
Funky Junk Interiors
The Creative Crate
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Etsy Love

Lately I have been scouring Etsy three, four, maybe ten times a day. I love that Etsy is is all about vintage and handmade, one of a kind treasures. Each time I see something new that I need. Seriously. NEED. I thought I would share some of these fabulous finds with you today. Ready? Here we go!

(Click photos to be taken to the shop)

I really need a gorgeous burlap tote bag, like this one:

My bedroom makeover needs one of these:

A kitchen makeover may soon be in order so I can get some of these:

We need this to store extra blankets at the foot of our bed:

My daughter needs a sweet crocheted beanie, like this one:

Cooper would seriously dig these:

I'm starting to think about birthday parties and baptism/adoption party for my daughter, and I think I will definitely need some of these from my friend, Adrianna's shop, Quaintly Amusing:

Of course the photographer can't be left out. He needs one of these to go with our collection:

Well, I think that's enough window shopping for one night!

But hey, my birthday IS coming up (on Mother's Day, in case you were wondering), so I think a little splurge in honor of ME is in order! I purchased one of the items you see above. Any guesses as to what I bought? Leave me your guess in the comments and I'll post about my splurge as soon as it arrives!!

Oh, and guess what?? I will be offering ONE of these items in an awesome BIRTHDAY giveaway! Stay tuned for details...

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Bedroom Makeover Progress - Nightstand Transformation

Here it is midnight, and I'm wide awake because I'm so excited at my latest bedroom makeover project!

This little (or big as it is turning out to be) makeover was not exactly planned. It all started with seeing a photo of a nightstand. I thought it would be nice for the kids room. Turned out there were two of them, so we bought them in lieu of Valentine's gifts! When we brought them home, I decided I wanted them in our room, and the master bedroom project was born.

The other pieces of furniture that will be going in the room are bright white, and the nightstands, while beautiful, have a rather strong yellow tone. It just didn't go with the freshly painted gray room. I decided a couple coats of paint was in order, and off I went.

I didn't want them to be all white, so I painted the drawers gray, just a shade darker than the walls, and the rest of the nightstands pure white.

I distressed them a bit, changed out the pulls with clear acrylic knobs from Target (4 for $15!). Aren't they pretty?

 I am so happy with how they came out! So happy that I had to stay up waaaay past my bedtime to write this post!

Stay tuned, there's more bedroom makeover projects to come...


HOH
Fingerprints on the Fridge
The Shabby Nest
Tatertots and Jello
Under The Table and Dreaming
Funky Junk
Dittle Dattle 
Get Your Craft On 
Bowl Full of Lemons 
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
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Master Bedroom Update - the Bed

The paint is dry and the bed is in place!

* Disclaimer - there is no natural light in our bedroom The only window opens into the laundry room in our enclosed patio. Lucky us! *

I went to Country Roads looking for items for our Master Bedroom and this is what came home with me:

A beautiful gray shutter! As soon as I saw it, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for, and it was the perfect size.

How does it look?

I just set it on the bed for the photo, but we'll be hanging it as soon as possible.

See that ruffly pillow in the front? Midwestern Sewing Girl, who handmade it, had a giveaway and I won!! It is a beautifully made pillow and she sent it to me immediately. I love how it looks on our bed!

I was also looking for some pillows from Full Bloom Cottage (also in Country Roads) but the pillows I wanted weren't in stock. I mentioned it to Sue, and she immediately called Loretta (of Full Bloom Cottage) who is making them special for me! I'm so excited!!

The bedroom is really coming together just like I had envisioned. I was practically in tears last night because the last few weeks have been really rough with Cooper and I am desperate to have a place where I can just relax and that makes me happy.

We have to actually set up the headboard (I just set the shutter on the bed to take pictures) and bring the other furniture in. I'm still looking for pieces and accessories to finish off the space.

Here's what it looked like before:

And here's another shot of the new look:

What do you think?

I went to the Flea Market today with my friend and blogging buddy, Adrianna, and had a great time! I had high hopes of finding a few of the pieces I'm looking for to complete the makeover...and I did! Stick around...I'm hoping to be able to reveal the whole room very soon!
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Easter Basket Cupcakes

I signed up to bring Easter treats for Cooper's class Easter party. We made these Easter Basket Cupcakes last year, and everybody loved them so I had to make them again.

Easter Basket Cupcakes
What you need:
Unfrosted Cupcakes (from a mix, from scratch, or straight from the grocery store)
White Frosting
Coconut
Green Food Coloring
Red Vines
Jelly Beans or other small Easter basket treat

1. Bake your cupcakes. Let cool, then refrigerate or freeze for at least one hour to make icing easier.

2. Color the coconut. Just dump the coconut in a zippered plastic bag, add a few drops of food coloring, zip and shake. I used one bag of coconut and about 10 drops of green food coloring to make a double batch and had plenty leftover.

3. Tint the frosting with green food coloring to your desired shade.

4.  Ice your cupcakes, top with coconut for the grass.

5. Push each end of a Red Vine gently into the top of the cupcake to form a "handle."

6. Add your favorite Easter candy - jelly beans, Peeps, chocolate eggs.

Cooper's class got a big kick out of these goodies. It would be a fun treat for your Easter party or for the kids (or even grown-ups) table this Easter!
 
Link ups:
Under the Table and Dreaming
Dittle Dattle

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Master Bedroom Inspiration Board

Part of the journey to find my style has led me to many Google searches. I have been hoarding inspirational photos for a month now. But it's become a clutter and I finally nailed down what I want for our bedroom.

I've been losing sleep over the fact that I have so many ideas rolling around in my head as to what to do with with the room that I decided to put together an inspiration board, like the ones I keep seeing all over the internet.

1. LOVE this whole bedroom from Faded Plains. Love the softness of the ruffles mixed with the grain sack pillows.

2. Dropcloth curtains. Yes, I know I'm waaaay behind the times, but I still love them. And with one large window and and a closet to cover, curtains can get pretty pricey so at $10 a pop, dropcloth is lookin' pretty good to me!


3. Vintage mirrors. I had debated what to put over the bed. With virtually no natural light, I thought mirrors would be the way to go to bounce around what little light there is. I love these frameless vintage mirrors I saw on A Beach Cottage.

4. Paint - Valspar's Comet Dust. Guess what? After three evenings and two trips to Lowes, the painting is finished!

5. Word Art. I love this salvaged cabinet door from Urban Farmgirl on Etsy. Love the vintage lettering and distressed look. I have word art in just about every room in my house. I love surrounding myself with beautiful things and positive thoughts.

6. Mason jars. Who doesn't {heart} the ever so popular Blue Ball Jars. (Is it just me, or does that make you giggle too???). Love what Post Road Vintage has done with these jars, adding flower frogs and hanger. She's got some lovely wall hooks to hang them on as well.

7. Pillow. Lots of them. What beautiful farmhouse, cottage style bed is complete without pillows? I adore these beautiful pillows from Full Bloom Cottage at Country Roads. I just received a surprise "thank you" gift certificate from Sue, the owner of Country Roads, and I'm ready to go splurge on a couple of these babies!

8. Hardware. While I love the hardware that currently on our furniture, I would love to splurge on a few of these beautiful glass handles and pulls from Anthropologie.

Well there you have it. What I want for our bedroom retreat is soft, neutral, inviting and cozy. Maybe a tiny bit of romantic thrown in for good measure. I'm hoping that with the ideas on my inspiration board, when I'm finished we will have just what I envision!

Oh, you want to see the progress?

It's a  tad more blue than I would have liked, but I'm still thrilled with the end result. The room is down to the bare bones now. We bought a couple of vintage nightstands a couple of months ago and I brought one of them in to see how they will look, but I'm afraid it may be too small next to our massive bed. What do you think?

I am so excited to be even closer to having this room finished. The past couple of months have been difficult, but what I've realized is that I really need to take time for myself, and to do something for myself. Painting, as silly as it sounds, made me happy!
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Blogging Tips with Simply Klassic

It's Tuesday and that means it's time for

You can find me over at Gwenny Penny sharing another useful blogging tip on how (and why) to Activate Email Comment Notification.

Have a Blogger question you'd like me to answer or a dilemma you need help with? Leave your question in the comment section, and I will get an answer for you!
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I Want Candy

Eye candy, that is. Real life eye candy.

I want my bedroom to look like these from Country Living:

Or these from House Beautiful:

Can you guess what's next on my agenda? I was planning on updating the kids room next, but I've decided it's time for a master bedroom makeover! Ever since bring my daughter home, time and energy have been very limited. Transitioning from a mother of one to a mother of two, virtually overnight, has been difficult to say the least, and I need a happy place!

Our entire home is in desperate need of a good thorough cleaning/organizing, but our master bedroom has been hit the worst! There is no style, clothes and "stuff" everywhere. How does that happen??? The furniture is massive (yet beautiful) oak, inherited from my grandmother, and it's time for a change.

This is what it looked like about six months ago.

There are no real windows in the room, so virtually NO NATURAL LIGHT. I want something light and airy feeling so at least we don't feel like we're in a dungeon. 

The bedding I love, but since apparently "it looks like the inside of a coffin" I may think about updating it. The glass lamps will probably get new shades, but everything else is changing!

First order of business is to paint. I'm leaning towards something with a gray tone like Paper White from Benjamin Moore:

Or perhaps just white. What do you think?

I would love to do something like this over the bed, and maybe add some large vintage open frames.

The Lettered Cottage

We've purchased some new pieces of furniture over the last several months:

If you can see past the adorable child standing in front of it, this dresser is currently in our kitchen but I'm thinking it will be moving to the bedroom:

 I also have an old dresser brought from Germany with my Grandparents in the early 50s. It's a darker wood, and I may get in trouble if I paint it, but we'll see!

We have a couple of nightstands, that were intended for the bedroom, but they are pretty short so I'm thinking I may put them in the kids rooms.

The only furniture left to buy is a headboard, and since this Pottery Barn one is not in the budget ($725)

 I'm thinking this Kensington Bed from JCPenney is looking much more affordable at $269.

So, on the to-get list:

• New knobs & pulls for dressers.
• Curtains
• Bedding & Pillows
• Headboad
• Sunbursts and large open frames
• Accessories!

I'm off to the Flea Market for the first time next weekend with this lovely lady. We met as blogging party planning mommies and have become friends! We'll be meeting up at the Long Beach flea next week. I can't wait!! I'm hoping to find some of the items on my list and put this master bedroom makeover into high gear!

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